Cape Town: African School of Coffee Masterclass Series

Introduction

If you’re passionate about coffee or simply curious about what goes into that perfect brew, the Cape Town: African School of Coffee Masterclass Series offers a fantastic way to deepen your understanding. It’s a chance to learn from seasoned professionals, get hands-on experience, and maybe even impress your friends with new barista skills.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the intimate small-group setting ensures personalized attention. Second, the focus on practical skills like brewing techniques and latte art means you leave with tangible, usable knowledge. Finally, the chance to learn from industry insiders—some of whom have competed nationally—is a real bonus.

That said, it’s worth noting that transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to plan how to get there. If you’re after a highly interactive, skill-focused coffee experience, this masterclass is a solid pick. It’s best suited for coffee enthusiasts, budding baristas, or anyone looking to elevate their coffee game during their Cape Town trip.

Key Points

• Hands-on Learning: Practice with actual coffee equipment under expert guidance.
• Small Group Setting: Personalized attention and interaction with instructors.
• Expert Facilitators: Learn from professionals with real-world experience, including national champions.
• Diverse Classes: Choose from brewing, latte art, or advanced techniques tailored to your interests.
• All Equipment Included: No need to bring anything—just show up ready to learn.
• Certificate of Completion: Perfect for adding to your barista credentials or bragging rights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Masterclass Experience

The African School of Coffee offers a well-structured, practical approach to understanding coffee, with classes designed to suit different levels of experience and interest. At just $86 per person, it’s a surprisingly accessible way to gain professional skills and refine your palate, especially considering that all necessary equipment and tastings are included.

Location and Meeting Point

The classes are based at 36 Buitenkant Street in Cape Town CBD, directly above the renowned Truth Coffee Roastery. This prime location makes it easy to combine your coffee adventure with a visit to one of Cape Town’s most iconic coffee spots. The entrance is marked by an orange square signage, and the staff are welcoming and prepared to get you started promptly.

How the Class is Structured

The masterclasses are tailored around specific coffee skills or themes, such as manual brewing techniques or latte art. Each session is led by industry experts—ranging from national competition winners to innovative brewing pioneers—ensuring you get credible, insightful instruction. The classes typically involve practical demonstrations, followed by you practicing the techniques yourself.

What You’ll Learn

Expect to get hands-on with various coffee brewing equipment, experimenting with methods like pour-over, French press, or AeroPress, depending on your chosen class. Since all necessary gear is provided, you won’t need to bring anything but comfortable shoes and your enthusiasm. The focus is on practical application, so you’ll leave not just with new skills but also with confidence in your coffee-making abilities.

More Great Tours Nearby

Tasting and Certification

A highlight of the experience is the tasting session, where you explore different coffee flavors, learning about how brewing methods influence taste. It’s a great way to sharpen your palate and understand what makes certain beans or extraction methods stand out. At the end, you’ll receive a certificate of completion, a small but meaningful token of your new skills.

What to Expect During the Class

The class duration typically allows enough time for both instruction and practice, with many reviewers noting the small group vibe fosters a relaxed learning environment. Instructors are praised for their approachable manner and clear explanations, making complex techniques understandable regardless of your skill level.

Equipment and Techniques

You’ll get to use professional-grade brewing gear, experiencing firsthand how different methods impact flavor. Whether you’re creating a silky latte art pattern or perfecting your pour-over, you’ll gain practical skills that can be applied at home or in a professional setting.

Tasting and Feedback

Participants often mention the tasting component as a fun and educational part of the class, with some noting that it helps clarify how subtle differences in beans and brewing affect taste. You might find this session particularly useful if you’re aiming to develop a more refined palate or impress friends with your newfound knowledge.

Value for Money and Practical Considerations

At $86, the class offers great value considering it includes expert instruction, all equipment, tastings, and a certificate. For those interested in coffee, this is a cost-effective way to gain hands-on experience without the hefty price tag of professional barista courses.

Because transportation isn’t included, you should plan accordingly—most guests find Uber or walking to the location convenient, especially being centrally located in Cape Town. The class runs during the day, so arriving 15 minutes early ensures a smooth start.

Accessibility and Limitations

It’s essential to note that the experience isn’t suitable for children under 12 or individuals with mobility impairments, as the venue and class activities involve standing and physical interaction with equipment. Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended due to the standing involved.

Booking and Cancellation

You can reserve your spot with the flexibility to pay later, allowing you to keep your plans adaptable. Cancellations are fully refundable if made at least 24 hours in advance, which offers peace of mind if your schedule changes.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

Reviewers highlight the small group size as a real advantage, emphasizing that it allows for personalized feedback and detailed instruction. Many mention that the industry professionals leading the classes are approachable and generous with their tips, making it feel like a personalized workshop rather than a generic tour.

One reviewer appreciated the variety of classes available—from brewing to latte art—stating it was perfect for both beginners and those with some experience looking to refine their skills. Others found the focus on practical skills particularly valuable, noting that they left with the confidence to experiment with different brewing methods at home.

Several mention the location above Truth Coffee Roastery as a bonus, giving a distinctive Cape Town coffee vibe. The tasting sessions, in particular, received praise for helping participants develop a more discerning palate.

Who Will Love This Experience

This masterclass is ideal for coffee lovers eager to learn more about brewing techniques and baristas-in-the-making wanting to sharpen their skills. It’s also perfect if you want an interactive, engaging activity that blends education with hands-on fun.

If you’re traveling solo, you’ll appreciate the opportunity to meet like-minded enthusiasts, while couples and small groups will find it a memorable, bonding experience. However, those with mobility issues should consider accessibility before booking.

The Sum Up

The Cape Town: African School of Coffee Masterclass Series offers a genuine, hands-on opportunity to elevate your coffee knowledge, led by experienced professionals in a friendly setting. It’s more than just a tasting—you’re actively learning skills you can use long after your Cape Town adventure ends.

For coffee aficionados and curious travelers alike, this experience provides excellent value, blending expert guidance with practical skills and authentic tastings. Its small-group structure and location above a legendary roastery make it stand out as a memorable, worthwhile addition to your Cape Town itinerary.

Whether you’re hoping to impress your friends with your barista flair, develop a more refined palate, or simply enjoy a fun, interactive activity, this masterclass is a smart choice. Just remember to arrive early, wear comfy shoes, and bring your enthusiasm.

FAQ

Is transportation to the class included?
No, transportation isn’t included. You’ll need to arrange your own way to the venue, but its central location makes this straightforward via walking or rideshare.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for standing are recommended, as the class involves hands-on work at the equipment.

Can I book the class and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot without paying immediately, and pay later—giving you flexibility with your travel plans.

Are children under 12 allowed?
No, this experience isn’t suitable for children under 12 due to the nature of the activities involved.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it a risk-free option to try during your trip.

Is the class suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, the classes are designed to be accessible to all skill levels, from novices to those wanting to refine their brewing techniques.

Will I get a certificate?
Yes, everyone who completes the class will receive a certificate of completion, a nice souvenir and proof of your new skills.

This detailed review hopefully helps you decide if this coffee masterclass is right for your Cape Town adventure. It’s an engaging, practical experience that offers valuable skills and a taste of the city’s vibrant coffee culture—definitely worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: